Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav on Sunday transferred ₹1,835 crore to the bank accounts of more than 1.25 crore women beneficiaries under the state’s Ladli Behna scheme, releasing its 40th instalment during a state-level programme in Agar Malwa district.

CM Dr Yadav also announced 33 development projects worth ₹226 crore for Agar Malwa and inaugurated 17 projects valued at ₹28 crore.

Before the programme, the Chief Minister visited the Baba Baijnath Mahadev Temple, where he performed an abhishek of Lord Shiva and prayed for the prosperity, peace and welfare of the people of Madhya Pradesh.

He also appealed to people to light lamps at their homes on September 17, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s birthday, and celebrate the occasion as Diwali.

‘Our government has delivered on its promise’

Addressing the gathering, CM Dr Yadav said the region had been blessed by the presence of Maa Baglamukhi and the blessings of Maa and Baba Baijnath.

He said the BJP-led government under Modi’s leadership had been providing ₹1,500 every month to women without difficulty.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, CM Dr Yadav said the opposition had repeatedly claimed that the Ladli Behna scheme would not continue and that the government would not have the money to make the payments.

“Open your eyes and see,” he said, claiming that his government had already transferred more than ₹55,000 crore to women’s bank accounts. CM Dr Yadav said the government was fulfilling its commitments and described the financial assistance as a reflection of the state’s cultural values.

Women moving from beneficiaries to entrepreneurs

The Chief Minister said women were increasingly becoming economically independent, with around four lakh women now establishing small industrial units.

He said women emerging from self-help groups were becoming entrepreneurs, while initiatives such as Namo Didi, Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi were opening new opportunities under Modi’s leadership.

CM Dr Yadav said women’s progress was inseparable from Madhya Pradesh’s development. “If women do not progress, Madhya Pradesh cannot progress,” he said, stressing that women’s empowerment required determination rather than slogans.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts to increase farmers’ incomes through dairy, poultry and goat-rearing activities.

₹4,000-crore potato-based industry planned

CM Dr Yadav said the government had decided to establish a potato-based industry in the region, with an estimated investment of ₹4,000 crore.

He claimed Agar Malwa had undergone significant transformation compared with the Congress era, particularly in terms of roads and connectivity. He also referred to upcoming four-lane connectivity towards Rajasthan and the Super Expressway network.

The Chief Minister said more than 300 industries were expected to be established in the area and noted that ₹18 crore worth of development works were already being undertaken at Baijnath Dham.

He also highlighted the growth of religious tourism in Madhya Pradesh, saying Ujjain had witnessed a sharp rise in visitors following the development of the Mahakal Lok corridor.

Appeal to celebrate PM Modi’s birthday

CM Dr Yadav said his government was working for farmers, women, youth and the poor, describing them as four key groups whose welfare would contribute to the overall development of the state.

He said the government was also expanding road connectivity and reviving bus services under the Chief Minister Sugam Parivahan Seva, with a target of running 15,000 buses across villages by 2030.

He further announced that registrations of land parcels held by eligible beneficiaries would begin from September 17, saying around 50 lakh such registrations were planned.

Urging people to participate in the Prime Minister’s birthday celebrations, CM Dr Yadav appealed to residents to light lamps at their homes on September 17, saying Modi had enhanced India’s standing and influence globally.